New House (Eventually)

[Faye]

We are in the long process of buliding a house. Our basement floor due to Murphy's Law is unlevel in 3 large spots, dipping up to 3/4". The basement is approx. 32' x 50. Our contractor gave us 2 options, use self leveling compound or tile it.
1.Which is the best solution?
2. If he tiles it, what would be the proper way to do it?
Ok next problem, before finding this forum I purchased 100 sq ft of 12 x 12 Polished Marble tiles at a discount supply store. I was planning on using it for my kitchen counter but now I see that is a bad idea especially since we have children. My questions are....
1. Will waxing or sealing the marble not stop the etching by acids?
2. Where can I put this marble tile? We will have two fireplaces, one is gas and one is woodburning.
Any advice or ideas will be much appreciated.

[Cami A]

Hi Faye- welcome aboard!

I think your option should be "use self-leveling compound and then tile it". How big are the "large spots"? Somebody's bound to want to know.

Marble, kitchen countertops and kids.... A nice tiled surround and hearth will work, though. I'd say a marble tiled hearth would be more formal- would that be the room with the gas logs?

[bbcamp]

On the concrete, you will have to level it before you tile it. Self Leveling Concrete is the answer, the question is how much to use. Flatfloor, one of our regulars, will be along to help you. He makes the stuff, so he knows something about it.

Stone sealers are OK, but you can't count on them to protect your marble forever. Murphy's Law, as it applies to limited lifetime protection, says that your spill will happen as soon as the protection expires.

The marble can be used in any low-traffic area that is unlikely to see food or cleaning chemical spills. A front foyer is good, especioally if only company uses it. Around your fireplace is good, too, although I would think twice about using it on the hearth (scratches, etc). It can be used on walls, but not in the kitchen backsplash.

[Faye]

Thanks Cami. The largest area that is unlevel is approx. 10' in diameter.
The gas fireplace is in my master bed and bath. It's a see through with views from both rooms. It is at the end of my tub and is located about 32 inches above the floor which will leave quite a bit of height for a hearth on the bedroom side.
The wood burning fireplace is in the den with a 6' tall mantle we got from a antique store going out of biz, which will be placed on a 2' high hearth.

[drew]

Hi Faye

Welcome aboard, sounds like you're well on your way to having a lovely castle. Keep us posted.

[John Bridge]

Hello Faye, Welcome.

No marble in the kitchen. Sorry.

bbcamp is right. No matter what you do in the basement, the floor will have to be leveled. Self-leveling cement would be the way to go. I shall summons flatfloor for you. His alias is Jim Buckley.

[flatfloor]

Why did I just hear a voice booming in my mind?

Hi Faye, your contractor gave you a choice because he can't pour a decent floor? Who's paying for this? Did he think he could level the floor with the tile mud?

Is their a sealer or cure on the slab? Check this with a cup of water poured on the slab. If it is absorbed we are good to go.

No gypsum SLC, you paid for concrete not gypsum.

[Jason_Butler]

Flatfloor is right. Your concrete spec probably calls for a floor that is level within an 1/8" over a specified distance. As this is not the case, the contractor should pay for the SLC. It will be pricey but must be done prior to tile.

Jason